18-Year-Old Driver Linked to Reckless TikTok Videos Kills Woman at Crosswalk

Gila Ivgi, 66, was killed in late May when she was struck while crossing the road at a crosswalk outside her home. Her family says the crash was avoidable and that warning signs about the driver, an 18-year-old from Ma'ale Adumim, had been visible for some time. Her husband, Aharon, said in an exclusive interview with N12, "She did not have to die," adding, "I don't know what I will do without her, how I will live without her? She was my whole life and suddenly she is gone."

According to the family, the suspect regularly posted videos of himself driving recklessly on TikTok and Instagram, including clips of dangerous races and filming while driving. Aharon said the force of the impact suggested high speed, noting that Ivgi's body was found dozens of meters from the crash site. He said she was always careful and that he had walked that route with her thousands of times.

Ivgi's daughter Amit said friends had warned the driver directly, and one coworker at Aroma told him he was driving like a maniac. "Everyone knew that with this kid you do not get on the road," she said, describing a dangerous culture of social media, street racing inside the city, and speeding. Ivgi's sister Limor said even the driver's friends and parents reportedly knew he drove fast, and that videos showed him saying, "I almost ran over a child."

The family said Ivgi had been living with her daughter Yarden during Yarden's maternity leave, and Amit said her unborn or future children would not get to know their grandmother. The family called on authorities to act quickly so there would be no next case. The police said officers and traffic investigators arrived at the scene, questioned the suspect, seized his phone, impounded his car, and found no evidence of drug or alcohol use. His license was suspended for 90 days, he was released under restrictive conditions, and the investigation is continuing, including review of vehicle cameras, witness testimony, and other technical evidence.